The idea to do a gallery wall has been on my project to-do list since I moved into my apartment….a whole year and a half ago. But now it’s done, and boy does it feel good. My wall is fashionista focused but your wall should be a reflection of you and your style.

The great thing is, you can always change it!

gallery wall tutorial + tips

Curate the images for your wall – begin to collect inspiration from all around you – things that make you smile, encouraging reminders, sweet memories.

Keep in mind color palette as you collect but you can decide what works together once you make the final edit.

I’ve created an easy template to help you keep organized as you collect your artwork & frames. Look for the BONUS at the end of this post!

The internet is a great source for images. A few of mine came from inspiring Instagram snaps & others from amazing printables – hello Pinterest & Etsy.

Collect frames – everyone’s approach to framing is different. Some people like to thrift frames & spray paint to achieve their desired look, you can collect frames over time, or buy in bulk like I did from IKEA, Michaels, Hobby Lobby. (For you Texas peeps, I grabbed mine on the cheap @ Garden Ridge At Home)

Print! – Put all the images in a folder and review to make sure you like everything together. Think about what size each image would look best as. (ex: my Instagram images would not look good as an 8×10 so I kept those at the 4×4 square size)

Put everything on a flash drive and head over to FedEx Kinko’s/Staples/Office Depot (aka Office Max) and have them print.

It’s okay to print more than what will fit on your wall. Some images may not make the cut once you start putting everything in frames.

Clean frames & insert images – nothing worse than fingerprint smudges on glass. Play around with the image/frame combination until you find what works.

Layout! Here’s where the fun begins. I found it easiest to start with a layout on the ground in front of the wall where the art will hang. Start with the largest piece and put it slightly off-center. Then find the next piece to compliment your focal point.

Since you’re on the floor it’s perfectly okay to arrange and re-arrange. (I did…3 times…okay 4.)

Decide on spacing – an inch between each frame is a good guide.

Take a picture once your layout is set for easy reference when hanging.

layout #1.

layout #2.

layout #3.

Hang time! No need for a hammer and nails for this project, I just used Command Picture Hanging Strips to easily put up all of the frames. They don’t put holes in the wall & are super easy to come off! I’ve been using these since my college days. This will go much faster if you have a friend to help you hang and make sure everything is straight but totally achievable to do by yourself…like me!

Pro tip: your iPhone compass act doubles as a level. Open the app, swipe right, turn your phone sideways & you can easily check to see if your photos are straight!

Step back and enjoy your handy work!

ta-da!

Putting up a gallery wall is no small task as I learned over the course of this project. But it was well worth it after seeing the end result.

Now that this one is done, I’m ready to do another gallery wall. Ready for hire!